Author Topic: Old Waders? (Read 448 times)

Dejon Hamann · « **on:** January 18, 2012, 03:33:22 PM »

I have two pairs of Simms G3 Waders I've just retired in the last year. They have many ongoing leaky pts, seams, foot seam seal lifting off, etc. However, from the outside you'd really never know they are that bad. No tears or gashes or the like.

Is there anything to do with these? Any "last ditch" repair service? I wouldn't even care if they weren't breathable upon return... just not leaky. seems like a shame to throw out a grand worth of comfortable waders. Be great to have them sealed and around as backups.

Bob Lux · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2012, 03:37:16 PM »

Stupid question, but have you watched the video on the Simms website on wader repair? That whole spraying alcohol thing really does show you where the leaks are. The actual location of my leaks was not where I was actually getting wet. The water just traveled down in the material.

A thing I learned in addition to that was to soak the tube of Aquaseal in a cup of scalding water. It really loosens up the glue and it soaks in really well. A little goes a long way in that case.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2012, 03:40:02 PM »

Yes, past that stage. I've been doing that for about 3 years. Several ounces of aquaseal on both waders.

Steven Good · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2012, 03:58:35 PM »

Pat, used a gasket seal on the entire inside of his new Reddington's after they leaked and i think I remember him saying it worked.

Bob Lux · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2012, 05:04:17 PM »

Quote from: Dejon Hamann on January 18, 2012, 03:40:02 PM

Yes, past that stage. I've been doing that for about 3 years. Several ounces of aquaseal on both waders.

I think your only option then would be to send them to Simms. You are probably beyond the workmanship failure and it is more of daily use wear and tear, but you may get lucky. It may cost some money, but not a grand and I would at least try it or give them a call to see.

Scott Brown · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2012, 05:26:11 PM »

I sent my 7 year old, dearly beloved, Simms Classics to back to Simms last fall to see if they could be repaired for a set of back up waders. In their words " the fabric in my butt, knees and crotch were worn too thin and they would not be able to guarantee that they would not leak". I got a lot of good years out of them didn't spend the money - but they were willing to give it a try. I donated them to the recycling program .....

Bob Lux · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2012, 06:22:17 PM »

Quote from: Scott Brown on January 18, 2012, 05:26:11 PM

" the fabric in my butt, knees and crotch were worn too thin

No comment on that.

Jim Frazier · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2012, 09:08:02 PM »

fabric glue from the craft store is sold in waterproof versions and is much cheaper than auqa seal . the only bad part is that it drys kinda hard so it might irritate your legs if you wear shorts under them. I would buy 3 bottles of that and coat all seams and use em for back up cause it will hold the stitching together better than aqua seal !

Scott Brown · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2012, 09:48:57 PM »

Quote from: Bob Lux on January 18, 2012, 06:22:17 PM

Quote from: Scott Brown on January 18, 2012, 05:26:11 PM
" the fabric in my butt, knees and crotch were worn too thin

No comment on that.

Why not Bob? It's not like we are going to room together at a regional comp or anything. I was merely expressing my admiration and significant use of a a high quality product.....